Sphenophorus

Bill Bug

Apperance
Billbugs get their name from the adult insect's long, curved, bill-like snout. A type of weevil, mature billbugs may grow up to 1/2 inch in length. Depending on the species, their hard shells range in color from clay-brown to near black; all have an unusual pitted texture.
Habitat
Billbugs love grass, and that's usually where they stay all year.
Activity
The greatest injury from billbugs usually occurs from mid-June through late July during the period of maximum heat and drought stress. In areas where the Boise billbug is present, damage also occurs in the fall and early spring. Billbugs overwinter as adults in sheltered locations in and around infested turf.

What are bill bugs?

If you're like most people, you probably didn't know that there was such a thing as a bill bug. But trust us, these little critters are very real - and they can be a big problem for your yard or garden. In fact, bill bugs are so destructive that they are considered one of the most serious pests of turf grass. These critters are actually a type of beetle, and they get their name from their long, slender bills. Bill bugs are most active in the spring and early summer, when they emerge from the ground to mate. Once they've found a mate, bill bugs will lay their eggs in the soil. The eggs will hatch into larvae, which will then feed on grass roots for several weeks before pupating into adults. Adult bill bugs can live for up to two years, and during that time they will continue to damage lawns by eating grass roots and tasty garden plants.


Are bill bugs dangerous?

Bill bugs pose no threat to humans or animals. So if you find yourself dealing with these pesky critters, rest assured that you and your family are safe. However, we can't say the same for your lawn. For such a small creature, bill bugs can cause massive damage to your grass lawn, and they shouldn't be taken lightly. They can quickly get out of control, and before you know it, you'll have dead patches of grass and little mounds of dirt all over your yard. For more information on how to control bill bugs, contact Bigfoot Home Services today. We're here to help you keep your lawn looking its best!


Why do I have a bill bug problem?

There are a few reasons. First of all, these bugs are attracted to moist conditions. So if your lawn is extra wet or your flower beds are constantly damp, that could be part of the problem. Second, bill bugs are often drawn to gardens that have a lot of mulch or leaf litter. This is because these materials provide a perfect hiding place for the bugs. Finally, bill bugs are attracted to yards that have a lot of organic matter. This could be anything from compost to fallen leaves. So if you have any of these things in your yard, chances are you'll eventually have a bill bug problem. But don't worry - Bigfoot Home Services can help. We offer pest control services that will take care of your bill bug problem for good. Give us a call today!


Where will I find bill bugs?

Bill bugs don't usually stray too far from grass and other plants and organic matter. You'll sometimes find them in or near your home, which usually means it's starting to get cold outside and they're looking for a warm place to spend the winter.


How do I get rid of bill bugs?

If you're looking to get rid of pill bugs, Bigfoot Home Services is the place to call. We offer pest control services in Boise, Idaho, and we're experts at getting rid of these pesky critters. We'll start by assessing the situation and developing a customized plan to get rid of the pill bugs. Then, we'll use our state-of-the-art equipment to target the infestation and eliminate the problem. We're also happy to teach our customers everything they need to know about pill bugs so they can prevent them from coming back in the future. Give us a call today and let us help you get rid of your pill bug problem!

FAQ

Picking the right pest control provider for your home isn't a decision you should make all willy nilly. We are confident that we provide the best service for the best value in the game, and we want you to feel that confidence as well. These are some of the most common questions we hear from new customers.

If you have any questions that aren't answered here, you can contact us through the form below, or by clicking the chat bubble in the bottom right.

Does Bigfoot offer guarantees?
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Absolutely! Our word is our bond, so when we say we'll get rid of your pest problems, we are dead serious about that. If you see bugs between quarterly treatments, don't hesitate to text, call, or email our office so we can get a technician out to you ASAP.

I'm seeing more pest activity since my first service. What gives?
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If you see increased activity after a treatment, that usually means the bugs are freaking out because they know the end is nigh. The products we use have been scientifically designed for the long game. They don't kill on contact, they kill by sticking to bugs and letting them do the dirty work for us. Pests carry the insecticide back to the nest and spread it to the others, effectively wiping out the community, instead of individual bugs.

How long should I wait before requesting a re-service?
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Our top-notch products usually take about two weeks to reach maximum effectiveness. If you have any concerns before or after that two week period, don't hesitate to text, call, or email our office so we can get a technician to your home to check on things.

Why do I need a professional pest control service?
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Hate to break it to you, but that little can of Raid isn't going to cut it. You might kill a wasp or spider here and there, but there's a much bigger picture that you can't understand if you're not trained in the ways of the pest. As a matter of fact, if you kill a few pests, the hive can begin to sense that they are under attack and actually go into baby-making overdrive to offset the onslaught. That's why the products we use take time to spread. By the time the pests notice something is wrong, it's too late. Pest control is based on years of science, testing, and experimentation with products and application methods 1000x more advanced than the can of bug spray you got at Home Depot.

If I enroll in Bigfoot's quarterly pest control program, does that mean I'll never see another bug on my property?
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Unfortunately, bugs have a few million extra years of evolutionary survival skills on us, which makes them tricky little... buggers. It's impossible to kill every last bug, or prevent a single one from coming back. That's why we advocate for quarterly pest treatment: it's simply the best way to be bug-free in the long term. Bugs can still scurry, crawl, or fly into your home at any time, and that's why we offer free re-services between treatments. If the bugs come back, so do we.

Do you treat the inside of my home during each service visit?
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We'll play it by eye, but it's typically unnecessary. 99% of the battle against pests is fought and won outdoors. We hit them hard at the source (outside), then create and maintain a barrier around your home to keep these pesky suckers out of your humble abode. Most of the time, only one of four yearly services will require indoor treatment, but we will always treat indoors if you see pest activity, or if you just want some extra peace of mind. We're not afraid to go the extra mile –anytime, anywhere.

Are pesticides safe for my kids and pets?
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Of course! We get it, pesticides have a bad rap and sound kind scary. You're trying to protect your family, so it would really suck if our products were more dangerous than the pests we're obliterating with them. Have no fear, the pesticides we use are Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved, meaning they've been through a ton of rigorous tests to ensure they are safe for humans and animals alike. But we don't stop there, all of our technicians are highly trained and certified when it comes to the products and methods of application.

Why do you only offer quarterly treatments?
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In our decades of experience, we've learned that one-time services end up being ineffective in the long run, and we don't want to mess with things that don't make your home a happier and safer place. Quarterly service allows us to maintain our Level Five barrier around your home, ensuring that these stupid bugs don't ever make it to the warmth and safety of the indoors of your home.

Why don't you service my home in the winter?
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Long story short, it's (usually) a waste of your money and our time. Bugs are always active, but considerably less active in the winter months, and almost totally inactive outdoors. Don't worry though, we won't leave you hanging. If you notice a pest problem crop up inside your house from December–February, we'll be there to lay the smack down before you can say, "Jiminy Christmas!"

Bigfoot's here for you

Contact us

If you have any questions about what's included in the services we offer, don't hesitate to reach out!

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